tr.v. mo·lest·ed, mo·lest·ing, mo·lests 1. To disturb, interfere with, or annoy: "Adams warned them not to molest American ships engaged in lawful commerce" (Walter McDougall). 2. a. To subject (a child) to sexual contact. b. To subject (an adult) to unwanted sexual contact. [Middle English molesten, from Old French molester, from Latin molestāre, from molestus, troublesome.] mo′les·tation (mō′lĕ-stāshən) n. mo·lester n. |
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition copyright ©2022 by HarperCollins Publishers. All rights reserved.